Matej Vydra and Henrich Ravas Help Youngsters Show Racism The Red Card

Matej Vydra and Henrich Ravas Help Youngsters Show Racism The Red Card

Derby County striker Matej Vydra and U23s goalkeeper Henrich Ravas took part in a Q&A at Pride Park Stadium yesterday in support of Show Racism the Red Card.

The event, which was also fronted by the Derby County Ladies, Derby City Council and representatives from the Punjabi Rams Supporters Club, saw pupils from local schools visit the Dave Mackay Suite to take part in a range of anti-racism workshops and watch a screening of a new SRtRC video – as well as getting the chance to pose questions to the panel.

During the event both Vydra and Ravas took plenty of time to pose for photographs and sign posters for all the pupils. They even awarded the youngsters who asked the best questions during the Q&A with a signed ball and t-shirt.

During the event, Ravas said:

“It’s a really important event for the kids who attend, for me it’s important to give them best advice I can and encourage them to fight against racism and stop it happening in the future.

“The kids all want to be professional footballer or athletes, it helps that the football club can show their support.”

On the impact of Show Racism the Red Card, Ravas Added:

“These kids are the future so it’s important for them to be educated at a young age. It is already making a difference as kids will now look to talk to friends or act when they see racism.”

Vydra added:

“I’ve played football for almost 20 years and it’s important to make it accessible for all.

“I think everyone has to learn about racism, including the children here today.”

Following the second event hosted at Pride Park Stadium this season, James Kingett from Show Racism the Red Card said:

“We are delighted that Derby agreed to host their second event this season, that’s pretty unusual to be honest, it’s come about from the council and the club and it’s great that they see the value of these events.”

“It’s amazing to have the support of the players here today, we’ve always been really well looked after by the club and they have always put up first team players and players from the women’s game as well so we have a variety of role models on show. The guys both answered questions very well, particularly as they were speaking in their second language.”

The educational events at football clubs allow young people to experience a first-hand interaction with anti-racism role models in the form of professional footballers and spend time thinking critically about this important issue.

During the 2014/15 season the campaign held 33 events in England, attended by 67 current professional footballers and managers and educating 3,088 young people.

More information on the work of SRtRC can be found on their website: theredcard.org.